Radio Cadena Agramonte emisiora de Camagüey
Havana, August 25 - The desire to seek new adventures related to marine environments attracts travelers from around the world today, as they pursue active vacations in interesting places like Cuba.
The climate, the landscapes, and the facilities accompanying diving and snorkeling programs are significant in this country, supported by companies such as Ecotur and Marlin. The former is dedicated to nature tourism, adventure, and rural experiences, while the latter specializes in marine activities.
For these activities, including catamaran excursions and coastal tours, the archipelago boasts countless locations and attractions, as detailed by guides from the aforementioned companies.
To this end, the main imperative is to identify the most suitable locations to maximize diving experiences or simply capture underwater images.
Cuba’s pristine nature has a unique charm when it comes to marine environments, which is why many people visit the island to dive or simply to snorkel.
Thus, it is essential to gather recommendations from experts and to appreciate the most highly-rated sites for these activities.
Among the highlighted locations are the Isle of Youth, with Cayo Largo del Sur in the southwestern part of the archipelago, María La Gorda, the northern coast of Havana, Varadero, the Zapata Peninsula, Santiago de Cuba, northern Camagüey, Holguín, Jardines del Rey, and Jardines de la Reina.
The latter is particularly notable, as Jardines de la Reina is celebrated as a wonderful site even by many professional divers who have already visited Cuba.
In this regard, the Cuban waters offer visitors a unique opportunity to create unforgettable memories.
Numerous underwater photography events are also organized at various points along the coast and the island’s shelf, taking advantage of the well-preserved beauty, the climate, and appropriate infrastructure.
These advantages encourage Cuban authorities to promote diving and other similar activities, with the goal of making Cuba a preferred destination for diving and observing marine life in the near future.
Many diving experts arrive at the largest Caribbean island eager to explore its nooks and seek out underwater treasures, given the pleasant climate and water temperatures, which some divers may find excessively warm, but for others, it is a real blessing.
The variety of diving points, hotels near the locations and marinas, and well-trained guides with international qualifications complete a well-defined landscape.
A report from the Ministry of Tourism (Mintur) indicated the existence of over 500 well-studied diving areas on the island, featuring underwater landscapes, exotic corners, caves, vertical walls, and tunnels.
Divers can also find cliffs and channels with countless options for both day and night dives. However, the shipwrecks from the Spanish fleet in earlier times still harbor secrets waiting to be discovered.
Experts recommend diving at the Isle of Youth and Cayo Largo; María La Gorda in Pinar del Río; the northern coast of Havana; Varadero and its artificial underwater park.
They also include the Zapata Peninsula for spelunking, as well as the coastal areas of Cienfuegos, which boasts among its wonders the Notre Dame coral, standing six meters tall.
Additional notable points are found in eastern Santiago de Cuba, with significant shipwrecks lying in its depths; the northern coast of Camagüey, Holguín, and the Jardines del Rey area, as well as the Cayos Coco and Guillermo, located in the northern part of Ciego de Ávila.
Diving enthusiasts can also explore the town of Trinidad, where the waters offer enviable visibility. Moreover, in the southern part of the main island lies a marine sanctuary: the Jardines de la Reina, a favorite site for the most adventurous.
For example, the areas surrounding eastern Santiago, 900 kilometers east of Havana, are home to numerous wrecks, remnants of the naval battle at the end of the Spanish-American-Cuban War in 1898.
About a thousand ships sank in these waters, including caravels carrying the treasures of the New World, victims of pirates and storms.
These practices enrich the recreational landscape of the island and educate about the appropriate methods to appreciate its beauty, ensuring that the marine environment is preserved for future generations. (PL) (Photo: Internet)
